AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - Christian Churches working with government to fight AIDS and crime

Johannesburg (Agenzia Fides) - The Church Leaders of South Africa enthusiastically participated in a frank and open discussion with Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi and National Commissioner of Police, Bheki Cele at the Southern Sun Intercontinental Hotel at the OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng on 27 October 2009. This is what Agenzia Fides learned from a statement sent from the Souther African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC).
Dr. Motsoaledi and Commissioner Cele had been invited to address the National Church Leaders consultation which takes place twice a year and involves most of the Heads of Christian Denominations and Church Leaders in South Africa. The Consultation is a discussion forum on matters affecting the South African community.
Dr. Motsoaledi described HIV & AIDS as a “scourge bedevilling the Nation.” In a pragmatic presentation, the Minister showed how HIV & AIDS antenatal prevalence had approached 45% in some districts. Mortality had also increased.
Focusing on pregnant women, child mortality and general mortality, the Minister called for a new zeal in dealing with HIV & AIDS. He showed that South Africa needed a mass mobilization for testing, treatment rollout and prevention and thus, asked the Church communities to increase their efforts at building a healthier, more caring society. Church leaders appreciated his openness and realism as a refreshing new direction from Government.
“I am putting my head on the block – we are going to reduce crime in South Africa,” said National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele promising that by working together, South Africans would reduce crime. He urged church leaders to take charge of strengthening the morals and ethics of the people in their church communities. He urged a greater focus on the family. “Let us all say that it is good to do good everyday.”
The Commissioner ended by encouraging church leaders to work with government to rid the country of crime- to preach about crime; - to preach to parents and communities who protect their children who have committed crimes and to deal with domestic violence.
Church leaders also committed themselves to working together with one another and with the Department of Health and the Police Commissioner. To this end, task groups would be set up to liaise with both departments on an ongoing basis. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 29/10/2009)